Sat, 27 May 2017 10:56:06 +0000
ZAMBIA has informed the South African government that opposition Democratic Alliance (DA) leader Mmusi Maimane was turned away at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport because his visit to Zambia was intended to undermine the sanctity, integrity and independence of the Judiciary.
Zambian High Commissioner in Pretoria Emmanuel Mwamba yesterday met officials of the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and told them that matters regarding the incarceration of UPND leader Hakainde Hichilema were in court and ‘‘it was imperative that the due process of the law was respected without undue pressure or interference’’.
Mr Mwamba said the Zambian government was concerned with Mr Maimane and the DA’s statements prior to his departure for Zambia that his party would pressure Zambian courts to release Mr Hichilema who is facing treason charges.
Mr Maimane had alleged that Mr Hichilema was a victim of trumped up charges and that the DA would mobilise regional opposition parties and leaders to pressurise the Zambian government to release him.
The Zambian High Commission had earlier advised Mr Maimane to reschedule his visit until this and other concerns of his were resolved but he turned down the advice.
On landing in Zambia on Thursday on a visit he said he wanted to see Mr Hichilema, Mr Maimane was refused entry and put on the next flight back to Johannesburg.
Mr Mwamba emphasized that Zambia was a sovereign State and has the right to decide who to allow into the country.
“Zambia continues to have mutual and admirable diplomatic relations and cooperation with South Africa based on the historical, economic and social ties between the two countries.
“Zambia is South Africa’s top 10 trading partner and the volume of movement of people, goods and services between the two countries is one of the highest in the region,” the high commissioner said.
He added: This is also demonstrated by South African Airways that takes about 35 flights a week to Zambia, besides other carriers.
‘‘Zambia’s democratic credentials and processes remain admirable in Africa and the respect for the rule of law is at the heart of its democratic growth,’’ Mr Mwamba told the DIRCO officials.
